Let me tell you, there’s nothing quite like a warm bowl of White Chicken Chili to wrap you in a cozy hug! I remember the first time I made this dish during a chilly autumn evening, the kind where the leaves crunch underfoot and the air is crisp. I had just come in from a long day, and the smell of this creamy, rich chili bubbling away on the stove instantly lifted my spirits. It’s seriously the best comfort food, perfect for gatherings, chilly nights, or just when you need a little something to warm your heart.
This White Chicken Chili is so incredibly satisfying and easy to whip up. With tender chicken, creamy cheese, and just the right kick of spices, it’s been a go-to recipe in my home for years. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll want to make it again and again!
Why You’ll Love White Chicken Chili (Best Ever!)
Oh, where do I even begin? This White Chicken Chili is like a warm, comforting hug in a bowl! The rich, creamy texture will have you swooning and reaching for seconds. Seriously, it’s packed with flavor from the spices and the delicious combination of chicken and cheese. You’ll love how satisfying it feels on a chilly day or when you just need a little extra comfort. Plus, it’s a breeze to make! With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a dish that tastes like it’s been simmering away for hours. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you!
Not only is it incredibly delicious, but it’s also versatile. You can whip it up for a cozy family dinner, serve it at a casual gathering with friends, or even save it for meal prep during a busy week. And let’s not forget how it’s gluten-free, making it a great option for everyone! So, grab your favorite pot, and let’s dive into making the best ever White Chicken Chili!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Alright, let’s gather our ingredients for this delicious White Chicken Chili! You won’t need to hunt down anything too crazy, I promise. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 small yellow onion, diced: This adds a sweet, aromatic base to your chili.
- 1 tbsp olive oil: For sautéing the onion and garlic, this helps bring out all those fabulous flavors.
- 2 cloves garlic, finely minced: Fresh garlic is a must for that irresistible aroma!
- 2 (14.5 oz) cans low-sodium chicken broth: You can also use homemade broth if you have it on hand, but the canned stuff is super convenient.
- 1 (7 oz) can diced green chilies: This adds a nice kick and depth to the flavor. Don’t skip this!
- 1 1/2 tsp cumin: A warm spice that’s essential for that classic chili flavor.
- 1/2 tsp paprika: I love the smoky touch it gives to the dish.
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano: This herb complements the other flavors beautifully.
- 1/2 tsp ground coriander: Adds a touch of citrusy brightness.
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper: Adjust this based on how spicy you like it—it’s a subtle kick!
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste: Always season to your preference!
- 1 (8 oz) pkg Neufchatel cheese, cut into small cubes: This is the secret to that creamy texture!
- 1 1/4 cup frozen or fresh corn: Adds sweetness and texture to the chili.
- 2 (15 oz) cans cannellini beans: These creamy white beans are perfect for chili.
- 2 1/2 cups shredded cooked rotisserie or leftover chicken: Using rotisserie chicken saves time and adds flavor.
- 1 Tbsp fresh lime juice: This brightens up all the flavors at the end!
- 2 Tbsp chopped fresh cilantro, plus more for serving: Fresh herbs elevate the dish—don’t skip this!
- Tortilla chips or strips, Monterey Jack cheese, sliced avocado for serving: These toppings are the cherry on top!
And there you have it! Gather these ingredients, and let’s get cooking!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Now that we have our ingredients ready, let’s get into the delicious part — cooking this mouthwatering White Chicken Chili! Just follow these simple steps, and you’ll be on your way to a cozy meal in no time.
Preparing the Base
First things first, let’s heat things up! Grab a large pot and place it over medium heat. Once it’s nice and warm, add the olive oil. Let that sizzle for just a moment, then toss in the diced yellow onion. Sauté the onion for about 5 minutes, or until it turns translucent and soft. You’ll love the sweet aroma filling your kitchen! Next, add the finely minced garlic and cook for another minute. Be careful not to let it burn; we just want it fragrant and delicious!
Adding the Main Ingredients
Now it’s time to amp up the flavor! Pour in the low-sodium chicken broth and add the can of diced green chilies. Then, sprinkle in the cumin, paprika, oregano, ground coriander, and cayenne pepper. Give it a good stir to combine everything beautifully. Bring this mixture to a gentle simmer — you’ll want to see little bubbles forming, but not a rolling boil. After about 5 minutes of simmering, add the Neufchatel cheese cubes. Stir until the cheese is melted and creamy, making your chili rich and luscious!
Finalizing the Chili
We’re almost there! Now, it’s time to incorporate the corn, cannellini beans, and the shredded chicken. Stir everything together and let it simmer for another 15 minutes, allowing all those flavors to meld together. This is the part where you can really start to smell the goodness! Just before serving, squeeze in the fresh lime juice and toss in the chopped cilantro for a fresh pop of flavor. Give it one last stir, and voilà! Your White Chicken Chili is ready to warm you up and make your taste buds dance!
Variations
Now, let’s get a little creative with this White Chicken Chili! One of the great things about this recipe is how adaptable it is. If you’re not a fan of cannellini beans, you can easily swap them out for black beans or pinto beans. Each type will give the chili a slightly different flavor and texture, so feel free to experiment!
Feeling adventurous? Try adding in some diced bell peppers or zucchini for extra veggies! It’s a great way to sneak in some additional nutrients while keeping that comforting vibe. If you want to spice things up a bit, consider adding a pinch more cayenne or even some diced jalapeños for a kick!
For a smoky twist, you could use smoked paprika instead of regular paprika, or even toss in some diced bacon during the sautéing stage for a deeper flavor. You can also switch up the cheeses — if you’re not feeling Neufchatel, cream cheese or even a sharp cheddar will work beautifully. Just remember, the key to great chili is finding the flavor combo that sings to you!
Serving and Storage Tips
When it comes to serving your delicious White Chicken Chili, I like to set up a little topping station! Grab some crunchy tortilla chips or strips, sprinkle on some Monterey Jack cheese, and slice up a few avocados for that creamy goodness. A little extra cilantro on top always adds a fresh touch, too! You can serve it warm in bowls, and don’t forget about some lime wedges on the side for an extra zing!
As for storage, this chili keeps really well! You can store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. It also freezes beautifully, so feel free to stash some away for a busy night — just make sure it’s cooled completely before popping it in the freezer. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth if it thickens up too much. Enjoy the cozy goodness all over again!
Helpful Notes
Here are a few quick tips to make your White Chicken Chili even better! First off, using rotisserie chicken is a game-changer. It saves you time and adds a ton of flavor without any extra effort. If you have cooked chicken leftovers, feel free to toss those in instead! As for the spices, don’t hesitate to adjust them to suit your taste. If you love a little more heat, bump up the cayenne pepper or add some diced jalapeños.
For a lighter version, you can substitute the Neufchatel cheese with a reduced-fat cream cheese or even a dairy-free alternative if you’re looking for a vegan option. This chili is naturally gluten-free, but always check your labels if you’re super strict about it. Remember, cooking is all about making it your own, so feel free to get creative!
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I freeze this White Chicken Chili?
Absolutely! This chili freezes wonderfully. Just let it cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It’ll keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stovetop.
2. What if I don’t have Neufchatel cheese?
No worries! You can substitute it with cream cheese, or for a lighter option, use Greek yogurt. Just remember to add it in the same way, so it melts into that creamy goodness.
3. Can I make this chili in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can! Just sauté the onions and garlic first, then add everything else into the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. Stir in the cheese just before serving!
4. How can I make this chili spicier?
If you like it hot, try adding more cayenne pepper or some diced jalapeños. You could also top it with spicy salsa or hot sauce when serving!
5. What kind of chicken can I use?
Rotisserie chicken is my go-to for convenience, but you can also use any cooked chicken you have on hand. If you want to cook it from scratch, poach or grill chicken breasts and shred them for the chili.
Final Thoughts
So there you have it, my friends! This White Chicken Chili is not just a recipe; it’s a warm hug in a bowl that’s perfect for those chilly nights or whenever you need a little extra comfort in your life. I can’t stress enough how satisfying it is to dig into a bowl of this creamy goodness, topped with your favorite fixings. It’s a dish that brings people together, whether it’s a cozy family dinner or a gathering with friends.
Trust me, once you give this recipe a try, it’s bound to become a staple in your kitchen. So roll up your sleeves, grab those ingredients, and enjoy the delightful process of making something truly special. Happy cooking!
Print
Best Ever White Chicken Chili for Ultimate Comfort
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This White Chicken Chili is a rich and creamy dish that warms you up.
Ingredients
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, finely minced
- 2 (14.5 oz) cans low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 (7 oz) can diced green chilies
- 1 1/2 tsp cumin
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp ground coriander
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
- salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 (8 oz) pkg Neufchatel cheese, cut into small cubes
- 1 1/4 cup frozen or fresh corn
- 2 (15 oz) cans cannellini beans
- 2 1/2 cups shredded cooked rotisserie or left-over chicken
- 1 Tbsp fresh lime juice
- 2 Tbsp chopped fresh cilantro, plus more for serving
- Tortilla chips or strips, monterrey jack cheese, sliced avocado for serving
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add diced onion and sauté until translucent.
- Add minced garlic and cook for another minute.
- Stir in chicken broth, diced green chilies, and spices.
- Bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Add Neufchatel cheese and stir until melted.
- Incorporate corn, cannellini beans, and chicken.
- Simmer for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Stir in lime juice and cilantro just before serving.
- Serve with tortilla chips, monterrey jack cheese, and avocado.
Notes
- Use rotisserie chicken for convenience.
- Adjust spices to suit your taste.
- Top with additional cilantro for extra flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 8g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: White Chicken Chili, Chicken Soup, Comfort Food
